Flat-weave rugs have been used for millennia as flooring, wall hangings, saddle pads and prayer rugs. 'Aubussons, dhurries and kelims all use the same technique,' says Christopher Sharp. 'They are a simple weave in which the visible parts of the rug are the weft threads, which are woven under and over the warps and packed together tightly so that the warps are not visible. '

Depending on the species, the appearance of bird motifs in interiors carries connotations of either good fortune (doves, pigeons, nightingales) or something darker (owls, ravens). Nonetheless, all types of birds - the eerie ones included - are emerging as patterns on all manner of decorative home accessories for autumn and winter this year.

It is hard to visit India and not leave with a fabulous carpet - a Persian silk or earth-coloured Afghan kilim (right) - but it is fraught with risk. Tourists are easily duped over the quality, age and provenance of carpets and fleeced on the price. Here are six carpet sellers with a reputation for quality, fair prices - and irresistible collections.